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Guided Family Bush Walk In The Mara
Guided Family Bush Walk In The Mara
Private Journeys Unique to You

Safaris With Younger Children

Young children delight to see wild animals in their natural environment. With Journeysmiths your safari will be expertly designed to match your family’s needs and interests. We use the best guides and arrange superb accommodation in the wilds of Africa.

We know the best properties to cater to the needs of a young family. Many have multi-bedroom luxury accommodation with every comfort and convenience. Yet they are in genuinely remote and private locations. The food is excellent and special diets are catered for. A relaxed atmosphere and superb staff help to ensure that your children feel at home in camp. In between safaris, take a dip in the pool, play games or enjoy a walk around camp in search of mini beasts.
For younger families, safaris are mainly by specially equipped safari vehicles. You will usually have your own private vehicle and guide for maximum flexibility. This way you can move easily and safely, seeking the animals and enjoying the beautiful landscapes with a fully stocked cool box in the back. Your expert guide can also take you on fascinating short walks, boat safaris and horse riding. Often you can meet local people and visit a village or school.

A safari is highly educational and great fun. Most of Africa has good weather from July through to Christmas and southern Africa also enjoys good weather during Easter. You can expect to see many different animals and the scenery is amazing — the Masai Mara, Rift Valley, Okavango Delta and Ngorongoro Crater are a few of Africa’s most spectacular safari regions. For a malaria free safari, South Africa is an excellent choice; you can easily combine it with Cape Town and the Garden Route. Take a look at the family safari ideas below, or better still, call us now.
Family Game Drive Child Guide Singita South Africa
Horse Riding Family Child Safari Natural Selection
Child With Guide On Game Drive With Chameleon

Best Safari Destinations for Families with Kids

We have curated the best destinations for an unforgettable African family safari holiday. Step into the scenes of the Lion King on the rolling plains of Kenya, go in search of meerkats on a malaria-free safari in South Africa or witness the great migration up close in the Serengeti, and this is only the tip of the iceberg...We have curated the best destinations for an unforgettable African family safari holiday. Step into the scenes of the Lion King on the rolling plains of Kenya, go in search of meerkats on a malaria-free safari in South Africa or witness the great migration up close in the Serengeti, and this is only the tip of the iceberg...

Family Camel Ride Sasaab Samburu Kenya
Family Camel Ride Sasaab Samburu Kenya
Kenya Family Safaris

Kenya has the ingredients for an amazing family safari. Your children will love seeing vast numbers of animals in iconic African settings. Stay in amazing and exclusive accommodation on private reserves. Enjoy adventures on foot, horseback and by open vehicle with Africa’s finest guides. Your children can see pioneering conservation work in action and meet remote tribal communities. Maybe end with a few days by the coast.

Read moreKenya Family Safaris
Chitwa Chitwa Activities And Wildlife Family Walking Across From Elephants South Africa
Chitwa Chitwa Activities And Wildlife Family Walking Across From Elephants South Africa
South Africa Family Safaris

If you’re looking for a country that’s got everything, choose South Africa. Renowned for the spectacular views of the Garden Route, vibrant Cape Town, malaria free safaris, fascinating history and outstanding wildlife, the whole family will fall under the alluring spell of this diverse country.

Read moreSouth Africa Family Safaris
Family Activity Children Serengeti Safari Camp Tanzania
Family Activity Children Serengeti Safari Camp Tanzania
All about Family Safaris in Tanzania

The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are truly spectacular settings filled with great herds and big cats. We take you far from the crowds and minibuses with your own private guide, staying in exclusive accommodation. Families with older teenagers will love the wildly remote Selous, Ruaha and Mahale, where you can walk, canoe and even track chimpanzees. Round it off on exotic Zanzibar.

Read moreAll about Family Safaris in Tanzania
Game Drive Children And Cheetah Little Vumbura
Game Drive Children And Cheetah Little Vumbura
Botswana Family Safaris

Botswana is Africa’s most exclusive safari destination. Each enormous private reserve has just one or two luxury lodges guaranteeing a series of private experiences as you travel from one exquisite location to the next. Expert guides will take your family on safari among big cats and vast elephant herds in beautiful deltas and deserts.

Read moreBotswana Family Safaris

Best Safari Lodges for Young Children

Discover a few of our favourite family friendly safari camps and lodges. Each reflects our children’s need for engaging, age appropriate activities, plenty of space, flexible itineraries and meals. Having visited with our own families, we know the importance of safety, space, and flexibility. Everyone should be able to relax and enjoy themselves.Discover a few of our favourite family friendly safari camps and lodges. Each reflects our children’s need for engaging, age appropriate activities, plenty of space, flexible itineraries and meals. Having visited with our own families, we know the importance of safety, space, and flexibility. Everyone should be able to relax and enjoy themselves.

Children Dining Deck Mkombes House Tn
Children Dining Deck Mkombes House Tn
Serengeti, Tanzania
Mkombe's House, Tanzania

Mkombe’s House is the first and only private house in the Serengeti. This is one of the best choices for families who want a classic Tanzania safari in exclusivity with expertly personal and attentive service.

Read moreMkombe's House, Tanzania
Tn Family Walking Toward Lodge Lewa House
Tn Family Walking Toward Lodge Lewa House
Lewa Conservancy, Kenya
Lewa House, Kenya

Lewa House in Kenya is more than simply a place to rest your head after your safaris. It’s the intangible warmth of being welcomed as family by owners Calum and Sophie McFarlane with the touches of home that make it a unique experience.

You’ll wake in your thatched cottage to share biscuits on the veranda with the resident ‘go-away-birds’, soaking in the landscape of gently sloping plains and distant mountains.

Read moreLewa House, Kenya
Deck With View
Deck With View
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania

Cresting the rim of its namesake, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is a favourite of ours for parents and children alike. The vistas of the crater are visible from everywhere in your suite, surrounding you with the sunlit beauty of one of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. Children of all ages are welcome here and will love picnics on the crater floor as well as the WILDChild programme.

Read moreNgorongoro Crater Lodge, Tanzania
Kid Tracking Spoor Motse
Kid Tracking Spoor Motse
Family Accommodation
Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa

Set amidst two rolling mountain ranges, the Motse legae and Tarkuni homestead are the ultimate private sanctuaries on the vast Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. Recently redesigned to uncompromising standards of comfort and elegance, Tarkuni is an exceptional choice for families seeking a tranquil, exclusive-use escape.

Read moreTswalu Kalahari, South Africa
Family In Pool Seba Camp Wildernesssafaris Mhoyle
Family In Pool Seba Camp Wildernesssafaris Mhoyle
Family Accommodation
Seba Camp, Okavango Delta

Seba Camp is the Okavango Delta’s magical outdoor classroom. This is one of the most family-friendly properties in Botswana, with two family suites and specialist guides and activities that are both engaging and fun for children.

Read moreSeba Camp, Okavango Delta
25 Morukuru Family Madikwe Bush Dinner
25 Morukuru Family Madikwe Bush Dinner
Madikwe and Northern Malaria Free Reserves, South Africa
Morukuru Family Villas

A collection of exclusive-use bush villas, Morukuru Family welcomes you with top-notch personal service. The unrivalled range of activities, outstanding personal service, expert guiding and world-class cuisine make this portfolio of villas some of the best malaria-free safari properties in South Africa for families or a group of friends.

Read moreMorukuru Family Villas
9Camp Kalahari Kids In Camp
9Camp Kalahari Kids In Camp
Family Accommodation
Camp Kalahari, Botswana

Ignite your inner explorer with a stay at Camp Kalahari, where the comfortable canvas tented suites are reminiscent of an African adventure from an earlier era. With a range of activities for all ages and two family suites, this is an excellent camp for discovering the enchantment of the Kalahari with your youngsters.

Read moreCamp Kalahari, Botswana
Hiw 8B772B5C1F411313684F6Da3F85Ddcd6F105E5Mv2 Max1800X1200
Hiw 8B772B5C1F411313684F6Da3F85Ddcd6F105E5Mv2 Max1800X1200
Masai Mara, Kenya
House in the Wild, Kenya

House in the Wild is an intimate, family-owned luxury lodge that offers a truly private, high-quality safari experience and a genuine home away from home, simply perfect for families or smaller groups.

Read moreHouse in the Wild, Kenya

Kid Friendly Safari Experiences

Family Boating In The Okavango Delta Botswana
Family Boating In The Okavango Delta Botswana
Explore The Okavango Delta

Botswana is one of the best places for a family holiday of a lifetime! There are millions of animals across plains, deserts and deltas.

Read articleExplore The Okavango Delta
Lion Cubs In Kruger Singita 19138
Lion Cubs In Kruger Singita 19138
Why South Africa Is Great For A Family Safari

South Africa is an excellent choice for family travel with children of all ages. Its wildlife is abundant, with a great diversity of species, including the Big Five: rhino, leopard, lion, elephant and buffalo. There are vast malaria-free reserves and it’s easy to get from safari regions to Cape Town and the beach.

Read guideWhy South Africa Is Great For A Family Safari
Maasai Women Istock 821161558 Credit Hadynyah
Maasai Women Istock 821161558 Credit Hadynyah
Meet The Maasai In Kenya and Tanzania

A safari holiday gives your family a wonderful chance to meet local communities and experience their culture.

Read articleMeet The Maasai In Kenya and Tanzania
Meerkat Experience Family Kids Natural Selection
Meerkat Experience Family Kids Natural Selection
Meet The Meerkats on a Kalahari Adventure

The Kalahari is a fascinating place for a family safari. The children can sit by a meerkat den watching these curious little creatures foraging and playing as one stands guard on its hind legs looking out for eagles. They can watch enthralled as a San Bushman reveals hidden secrets that have enabled them to survive here for thousands of years.

Read moreMeet The Meerkats on a Kalahari Adventure
Snorkelling Ss
Snorkelling Ss
Swim with Dolphins in Zanzibar

With all this talk of safaris, remember that historic Zanzibar is part of Tanzania. We can arrange for you to round off your safari at a beach hideaway where you can snorkel, dive and swim with dolphins. Set aside a day to see ancient architecture of the Old Stone Town.

Explore ZanzibarSwim with Dolphins in Zanzibar
Masai Mara Sunrise With Wildebeest And Balloons
Masai Mara Sunrise With Wildebeest And Balloons
Hot Air Balloon Over the Masai Mara

A hot air balloon safari gives you the perfect perspective of the scale of Africa. At dawn your family could be floating silently above thousands of wildebeest and zebra on their great migration. The plains below are criss-crossed by rivers and dotted with rocky kopjes. Drift over herds of elephant, prowling lions and towering giraffes.

Explore KenyaHot Air Balloon Over the Masai Mara
Children Horse Riding Ants
Children Horse Riding Ants
Take a Horseback Safari at Ant’s Nest

The Baber family have lived in the remote mountainous Waterberg since 1865. Ant and Tessa Baber, of the current generation, have set up two superb family orientated safari lodges on their large private reserve. Their chief delight is to take their guests on horseback safaris in search of leopard, rhino, eland and buffalo. Horses are selected to suit your physique and ability. There is nothing that quite matches the thrill of cantering alongside zebra or giraffe!

Explore Ant's NestTake a Horseback Safari at Ant’s Nest
Children Dining Deck Mkombes House Tn
Children Dining Deck Mkombes House Tn
Experience the Great Migration in Privacy

Gaze in awe as nearly two million animals move across the Serengeti. We make sure the experience is as private as possible. We can even arrange for your family to have your own mobile camp and support team to shadow the great herds. We also use semi-mobile camps and private and luxurious safari villas like Mkombe’s House in the remote north of the park.

View Mkombe's HouseExperience the Great Migration in Privacy
Bushman Walk Safari Girl Camp Kalahari
Bushman Walk Safari Girl Camp Kalahari
Walk with San Bushmen in Botswana

Imagine taking a walk in the Kalahari Desert with a San bushman. What seems at first sight a parched area of scrubland becomes a fascinating treasure trove. Your San Bushman will quietly lead your family to secret sources of water and medication. He will show you how the desert offers everything you need to survive, if only you know where and how to look. You will track animals and learn as they share their age-old understanding of this fragile environment. The Kalahari changes spectacularly through the seasons and contrasts magically with the Okavango Delta.

View Camp KalahariWalk with San Bushmen in Botswana
Kid Star Bed Safari Kenya Loisaba
Kid Star Bed Safari Kenya Loisaba
Sleep Under the Stars

Imagine spending the night together, out in the wilds under a billion stars. In the afternoon, arrive at the private starbeds where cosy beds, bathroom and all you need is on a great wooden deck overlooking the plains. Enjoy dinner with your guide, then drift off to sleep in the beating heart of Africa, nothing but a mosquito net between you and the vast inky sky.

View Star BedsSleep Under the Stars
Safari Photography 254405
Safari Photography 254405
Safari with a Professional Photographer

Discover Africa through the eyes of Emmy award-nominee, wildlife cinematographer, Big Cat Diaries cameraman and naturalist guide, Warren Samuels. We can arrange for Warren to guide you for a few days around his secret wildlife hotspots. Tap into his vast knowledge of animal behaviour, perfect your photography skills or simply enjoy the journey while Warren creates incredible imagery of your safari to keep the memories alive for a lifetime.

Read moreSafari with a Professional Photographer
Family Game Drive Olonana
Family Game Drive Olonana
School Holiday Safaris

The school holiday cycle is full of opportunity; there is a safari for every season, whether it’s during the Christmas, Easter or Summer holiday period.

View calendarSchool Holiday Safaris

Where to Go on Safari in the School Holidays

The school holiday cycle is full of opportunity; there is a safari holiday for every season, whether it’s during the Christmas, Easter or Summer holiday period. We can tailor make excellent family safaris at these times of year, taking into account seasonal wildlife movements and climatic conditions.The school holiday cycle is full of opportunity; there is a safari holiday for every season, whether it’s during the Christmas, Easter or Summer holiday period. We can tailor make excellent family safaris at these times of year, taking into account seasonal wildlife movements and climatic conditions.

Luxury family holidays tailored to you
Have Us Take Care Of It All
Why Travel with Journeysmiths

We are a boutique family travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.We are a boutique family travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.

Where Is Best For A Family Safari?
That depends on what you want to experience and when you want to travel. Africa is extremely diverse and there is something for everyone. Whether you want to tick off the Big Five on exciting game drives then head to the beach or try something a little more adventurous such as fly camping and tracking rhino on foot.

Generally, South Africa and Kenya would be the first places to consider for a safari with young children. Both countries have superb family safari accommodation and offer services such as babysitting and kids activity programmes. If you have teenagers or young adult children, any destination can work but for particularly active family safaris we would recommend Zambia, Zimbabwe, or southern Tanzania. If your family wants to conclude with a few days on the beach then the Kenyan coast, Zanzibar and Mozambique are ideal.

The best way to start is to have a chat with one of our experienced team.
Don't We Need Lots Of Vaccinations, And What About Malaria?
We always recommend that you seek medical advice prior to travel, however most of Africa requires no more vaccinations than if you were travelling in Asia or South America and some regions require less. There are now excellent malarial prophylactics for children, however, if you feel unsure, there are parts of Africa that are malaria free.

For destination specific information Travel Health Pro (UK) and the Centre For Disease Control and Prevention (USA) have comprehensive websites which provide the latest vaccination requirements, anti-malarial measures and general health advice for every country. We would suggest booking an appointment with a specialist doctor or clinic to discuss your particular requirements no less than 8 weeks prior to travel.
What Age Is Best For A Safari With Kids?
A safari is an inspirational holiday, introducing children to a fascinating part of our planet, very different from their own. It’s possible to take children of any age on safari but once they reach five or six their ability to take part in a variety of great adventures ensures they get the most out of the experience. Every safari we arrange is created just for you by a member of our experienced travel design team, this allows us to tailor everything to suit your family’s individual needs and interests.

You can explore some of the possibilities based on your children’s ages below.

Best Safaris With Young Children
Best Safaris With Teenagers
Multigenerational and Extended Family Safaris
How Involved Can My Kids Get?
A safari is a holiday that allows all the family to be completely immersed, enjoying new experiences together each day. Your safari guides will create a schedule of activities, perfectly suited to your family’s interests to keep everyone entertained, whatever their age. Should you need a bit of rest in between, staff at the camp will happily take charge; baking safari cookies, creating arts and crafts, setting out on bug walks and teaching traditional African games.
What Family Activities Are Possible On An African Safari?
There are so many new and exciting things to do on safari, you’ll never be bored! Each evening before dinner you will sit down with your guide to decide what great adventures you would like to have tomorrow; riding horses, game drives, fishing, river rafting, connecting with local communities — there is something for everyone.

The links below will take you to articles featuring some of our favourite family safari activities by destination.

Can You Learn About Different Cultures On An African Safari?
Africa is rich in unique cultures, afterall, it’s the cradle of humankind. There are lots of opportunities to connect with communities during your family safari and we will ensure these moments are authentic and positively impact the people you are meeting. For children it is fascinating to see how the lives of many children in Africa are very different to ours; some live in mud huts, walk miles to school each day or have the occasional elephant visit their playground. We can arrange for your family to spend time with children who live in the areas you visit to learn about their different way of life.
What Will The Food Be Like?
You can expect the food on safari to be delicious and plentiful with a focus on fresh, sustainable, locally sourced produce. Many safari properties have their own vegetable gardens which you can explore, selecting the ingredients for your next meal. They are experienced in catering to different dietary requirements, including kosher kitchens. We inform each property of your dietary requirements prior to your arrival to ensure they are well prepared. Some camps also have fun features like outdoor pizza ovens, so your kids can get involved in creating a feast for dinner.
How Much Does A Luxury Family Safari Cost?
Every safari we arrange is unique, designed to your family’s needs and interests. When you speak with a member of our design team they will explore your requirements, including your budget and create the best safari to suit you and your family.

An average price for a tailor made luxury safari of 7-10 days would be in the region of £8,000 per person. If you travel in low season, or reduce the level of luxury this can fall to around £6,000 per person. Equally, if you travel to the finest properties during peak season or include privately chartered flights and private guides this figure would likely increase to £20,000 per person or more.

There is a world of difference between one of our individually designed safaris and most package holidays. Package holidays are usually designed to be as cheap as possible and involve large numbers of people doing the same thing.

Our safaris use small, exclusive and remote camps that offer great flexibility in the best locations and usually virtually everything is included in the price; all accommodation, internal travel, park fees, meals, drinks, game viewing activities, door to door assistance, and 24/7 support while you are on your safari.

Other Factors that Impact the Cost of Your Luxury Safari:

  • Who you are travelling with can have an impact on the cost. At most of the safari camps and lodges we work with, children under 12 receive lower rates and the youngest (under 3 years old) often go free, so the cost of your trip will also depend on the age and number of the children in your family.
  • Combining your safari with a beach stay or a visit to Cape Town or the Garden Route in South Africa can also have a favourable impact on the cost of your holiday as these would not normally carry the same sort of price tag as the safari section.
  • Booking out a whole camp exclusively, adding an exclusive behind the scenes tour with leading conservation experts or an Emmy award nominee cinematographer to document your safari will move the price in the opposite direction.


Whatever your desires might be, our team of experts will recommend the best options based on your interest and budget.
For a tailored quote contact our team here.
What Is The Safest Country For A Family Safari?
Your safety is our top priority. We have over 30 years’ experience keeping our clients safe. Our team actively monitors travel advice for the destinations in which we work and complement this with information from our partners on the ground, many of whom we have been working with for decades.

From the moment you step off the plane you will be assisted by our partners so you are never left wondering where to go, or how to get there. In addition we are here 24/7 for any questions you have during your trip.
How Far In Advance Should I Book My Family Safari?
As a general rule, we recommend booking your safari no less than 12 months prior to travel. The best safari properties often have between six and 12 rooms, so arranging your trip early will help us to secure the best properties for you.
How Do I Plan A Family Safari?
Africa has been refining the safari experience for over a century; today the possibilities are seemingless endless. Which destination should I visit? What time of year should I travel? How long should I spend at each location? If you’re in search of your family’s perfect safari, you should work with an expert who will answer these questions and design an itinerary to suit your unique needs and interests.

We have over 30 years experience arranging family safaris; we understand which questions to ask and what needs to be considered. We then combine the information you give us about your unique requirements with our knowledge of Africa to create the trip of a lifetime, without the stress. Our long standing relationships also allow us to go further, arranging for special interactions or experiences that wouldn’t normally be possible.

When you contact us, we will begin with a short conversation so that your dedicated travel designer can start to understand the needs of your family and can give advice on destinations or experiences that would be right for you.
What Happens When You Enquire About A Family Safari With Journeysmiths?
When you contact us to enquire about a family safari, an Africa specialist from our travel design team will get in touch to arrange a convenient time to talk over email, phone, video chat, whatsapp or whatever suits you. This step is really important as we get to know you and your families interests and requirements and discuss ideas for your safari.

Your dedicated travel designer will then create the first draft of your journey to share with you, this can then be finetuned until you are completely happy with everything.

Once you have confirmed your safari with Journeysmiths we will send you all the information you need to prepare for your trip from packing lists, to visa and vaccination information etc. In the background, our operations team will be working away to ensure every element of your itinerary runs perfectly.
Your dedicated travel designer is available to support you as you prepare for your trip, answering any questions you have.
While away, you’ll be met at every step of the way by our partners and we are also only a phone call or message away, 24/7.

You can read more about how we work by clicking the link below, or, get in touch.

Lion Game Drive Family Safari Savuti Kids1
Have us match your family's interests with a tailor-made luxury holiday
Plan Your Family Safari
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Many of Africa’s best safari regions are low to very low risk of malaria, particularly if you travel during the summer holidays.

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Safaris with Teenagers

Over our three decades of creating tailor-made safari itineraries for families, we’ve learned about the kind of experiences which get teenagers excited. We understand that your family has a unique mix of personalities and aspirations, so we will create a unique safari just for you. We use only the finest camps, the best guides and create unforgettable adventures in the wild places of Africa.

Read moreSafaris with Teenagers
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